​​

• Why should I or my child take private swim lessons?

  • Every swimmer learns differently. In traditional group lessons, swimmers often wait at the wall while others take turns, and progress is usually based on completing a set level before moving forward.

  • At SwimPossible, lessons are designed around each swimmer’s individual needs, goals, comfort level, communication style, and learning pace. Swimmers receive 1:1 attention, consistent feedback, and instruction that adapts to them — not the other way around.

  • Private adaptive lessons allow us to build trust, confidence, safety skills, and swim skills in a way that feels supportive and successful for each swimmer.

• How long are lessons?

  • Most SwimPossible lessons are 30 minutes long. We have found that this is often the right amount of time for swimmers to stay focused, engaged, and successful in the water.

  • For swimmers who would benefit from a longer lesson, 45-minute or 60-minute options may be available. Please ask us if you are interested in a longer lesson time.

• Where are lessons held?

  • SwimPossible provides lessons at partner pools across the Twin Cities and surrounding Minnesota communities. Current partner locations include Lino Lakes, Saint Paul, Hopkins, North Minneapolis, Lakeville, and Minnetonka.

  • We occasionally provide lessons at private client pools when available. We are always looking for opportunities to expand, so if you do not see a location near you, please still reach out. We would be happy to keep you updated as new locations become available.

• What should we bring to the first lesson?

  • Before your first lesson, please complete the online registration and log in to your parent portal.

  • For the pool, we recommend bringing:

    • A swimsuit

    • A towel

    • Goggles, if your swimmer uses them

    • A swim shirt or neoprene wetsuit if your swimmer gets cold easily

    • A reusable swim diaper & cover for any swimmer who is not fully continent

  • You are also welcome to bring anything that helps your swimmer feel calm, prepared, or successful during transitions.

• Do you accept waivers or grants that cover therapeutic programs?

  • Yes. SwimPossible works with families who use CDCS waiver funding, as well as a variety of grant programs.

  • Families will need to provide the billing company’s name, address, and email address so we know where to send invoices. If an invoice is denied, families are responsible for paying SwimPossible directly and may then work with the funding company for reimbursement.

• Do I need to stay on deck during my child’s lesson?

  • Yes. A guardian or caregiver must remain present during lessons for safety and support.

  • Caregivers help us understand what motivates and supports each swimmer, and they are available if a swimmer needs help calming, transitioning, or communicating. You do not need to get in the water. In fact, when appropriate, we encourage swimmers to build trust and independence with their instructor in the pool.

• What is a good age to start swim lessons?

  • It is never too early — or too late — to build comfort, confidence, and safety around water.

  • Young children may benefit from early water experiences that help them feel comfortable before fear or hesitation develops. Around preschool age, many children are ready to begin following directions and learning foundational swim and safety skills.

  • Teens and adults can also benefit from swim lessons, whether they are learning water safety, improving fitness, building confidence, or developing swim strokes. Every swimmer’s journey is different, and we are here to meet them where they are.

• My child is afraid to go underwater. Will you make them do it?

  • No. SwimPossible uses a gentle, encouraging approach that focuses on trust first.

  • We never want swimmers to feel forced or unsafe. Instead, we help swimmers build comfort at their own pace while gently expanding their confidence over time. For many swimmers, going underwater eventually becomes enjoyable because of the full-body pressure, sensory input, and freedom of movement it can provide.

  • Our goal is not to rush the process. Our goal is to help swimmers feel safe, successful, and proud of their progress.

• What kind of progress can I expect?

  • Progress looks different for every swimmer.

  • For some swimmers, progress may mean putting their face in the water, floating with support, learning to return to the wall, or feeling calm enough to try something new. For others, it may mean building endurance, learning strokes, treading water, swimming independently, or preparing for swim team opportunities.

  • We begin by helping each swimmer feel comfortable and safe in and around the water. Some swimmers move quickly into swim skills, while others need more time to build trust, confidence, body awareness, or regulation. This is especially true for swimmers with anxiety, sensory needs, physical differences, or past negative water experiences.

  • Our instructors are trained to support swimmers with a wide range of learning, sensory, emotional, and physical needs. We celebrate every step forward, because every swimmer’s progress matters.